17 Oct 2016

Akinci insists for the Turkish troops to remain on the island

After the Sunday meeting with the President Anastasiades, the leader of the Turkish-Cypriots announced that the resolution of the Cyprus problem is impossible without the permanent presence of the Turkish troops on the island.

He made reference to the words of the Greek Prime-Minister Alexis Tsipras, and added that he does not mean that 40,000 soldiers will remain and Mr. Akinci suggested to negotiate the reduced number who will stay on the island.

The gradual reduction in the number of Turkish troops is apparently one of the conditions to resolve the situation.

Mustafa Akinci also added that anyone will have the equal rights in relation to living and conducting business on either side of the island, excluding political rights.